Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick: An Analysis of the Impact of Colonialism/Imperialism on the Operational Art for Campaign Planners Assigned to AFRICOM Using the Darfur Crisis as a Case Study

摘要

This thesis contends that AFRICOM must avoid any appearance of colonialism or imperialism if it is to conduct successful operations in Africa. For African nations, colonialism is considered to be one of the root causes of many of their current problems. When planning operations in Africa, military planners have to be keenly aware of the impact that the latent mistrust regarding anything colonial has on the African psyche. The thesis provides nine planning considerations for AFRICOM planners to help them avoid the appearance of colonialism/imperialism, using the Darfur Conflict as a case study. The nine planning considerations are Cost of Conflict theory, an alternative approach to leveraging capabilities, population engagement, perceptions, transparency in planning, inappropriate use of labeling in the Darfur conflict, strategic communications, religious considerations, and the consequences of a disarming policy in Darfur. In today's new world order (which is still to be defined), America has to avoid a cookie-cutter approach to military operations. AFRICOM is uniquely structured to leverage American resources and military capabilities to achieve the American strategic goals of advancing democracy, protecting human rights and the rule of law, and developing regional cooperation and security.